Electric Lift Arm Structure for Precise Power Machine Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power machines rely on hydraulic systems for lift arm operations, which can be less precise, slower, and require more maintenance compared to electrical systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an electrically powered lift arm structure with an electrical lift actuator secured to a frame and a lift arm, allowing for improved precision, control, and reduced maintenance by using electrical actuators and tilt actuators positioned to enhance operator visibility and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hydraulic systems are used for lift arm operations, then the system can provide sufficient power and reliability, but the system becomes less precise, slower, and requires more maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic system with an electrical actuator system that uses a motor directly coupled to the lift arm mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for hydraulic fluid, pumps, and associated components, thereby reducing maintenance requirements while improving precision through direct electrical control of the motor's rotational output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the hydraulic system components from the lift arm assembly, isolating the essential lifting function from the complex hydraulic infrastructure. By taking out the hydraulic system entirely and replacing it with a simplified electrical motor assembly, the design achieves both reduced maintenance and improved operational precision.
2Speed
If hydraulic systems are used for lift arm operations, then the system can be robust and reliable, but the system operates slower and with less precision
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical motor actuator responds instantaneously to electrical signals, eliminating the delays inherent in hydraulic systems where fluid pressure must be built up and transmitted. This direct electrical-to-mechanical conversion enables faster response times and more precise control of the lift arm's position and movement speed.
3Ease of operation
If electrical actuators are positioned to enhance operator visibility and accessibility, then operator comfort and control are improved, but the actuator mounting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical actuator assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the motor housing, the drive mechanism, and the mounting interface. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and adjusted to optimize operator visibility and accessibility while maintaining manageable mounting complexity through modular assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A lift arm structure for a power machine with a frame can include a lift arm and an electrical lift actuator. The lift arm can be configured to be movably secured to the frame to extend along a lateral side of the frame. The electrical lift actuator can be secured to the lift arm within a pocket defined by the lift arm and can be configured to extend and retract between the lift arm and the frame of the power machine to raise and lower the lift arm.